Marlins walk it off, win 5-4 in gritty comeback

For the second time in three games, the Marlins came back to defeat the San Francisco Giants. Brian Anderson, the dark horse candidate for National League Rookie of the Year, knocked in his first walk off win.

Caleb Smith had a fairly good night as he was able to go 6.1 IP while giving up 8 hits, 1 HR, 3 ER, and 4 strikeouts. Smith struggled early as Andrew McCutchen would drive a cutter to deep left field and score himself and Buster Posey. Facing a 2 run deficit with what has been the weakest offense in the league, the Marlins seemed to be in early trouble. However, they set the tone of the night as they would tie the game in the 4th inning.

With Brian Anderson on second base, Cameron Maybin would single to center and drive in Anderson. After Justin Bour struck out looking, Lewis Brinson would single to the shortstop and bring in JT Realmuto. The Fish head into the 5th inning tied at 2.

Smith would get into a jam in the 6th inning as Brandon Crawford would score off of an Austin Jackson single. Smith would be allowed to stay through the 6th and into the first of the 7th. He managed to avoid giving up any runs over that stretch.

Anderson would eventually get the greatest honor of the night: the Miggy Ro Monkey Pie in the Face. However, if it wasn’t him then Justin Bour would definitely be deserving it. With Mr. Anderson on 3rd base, Bour would crush a double to the bottom of the centerfield wall. Tying the game at 4 runs a piece, this would be the second time in three games that the Marlins would come back from a deficit three times. Prior to Monday’s game, it hadn’t happened since 2008.

Brian Anderson would be up with Miguel Rojas on third in the bottom of the 9th. Even in that situation, I was happy with the thought that we would head to extra innings. However, Anderson would clip a changeup out to centerfield. Miggy Ro tagged up and brought home the W. Overall, I’d say this was my favorite win of the season so far.

FanGraphs.com

Swordfish: Justin Bour (.374 WPA)

Flounder: Derek Dietrich (-.169)

Play of the Game: Obviously the walk-off sacrifice fly by Brian Anderson!

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Andrew Suarez tossed 4.1 innings in his last outing against the Nationals. He allowed four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out five. He didn’t factor into the decision during Friday’s win over the Nats. This will be a homecoming for Suarez, who was born in Miami and attended high school (Christopher Columbus) and college (University of Miami) there.

Caleb Smith has quietly been one of the better rookie starters. Over his last 7 games, Smith is 4-3 with a 3.16 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 37 innings and a WHIP of 1.14. Overall, Smith is averaging 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings and 4.1 walks per nine.

Thread Question: At what point this season have you felt best about this Marlins team?